Statement from the Drive Electric Campaign on historic clean car standards in the U.S.

SAN FRANCISCO — March 20, 2024 — In light of the historic clean car regulation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Drive Electric Campaign Director Rebecca Fisher issued the following statement:

“Today, a historic decision from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will accelerate zero-emission transportation with new clean car standards. 

This groundbreaking policy will ensure the biggest climate pollution savings from any regulation in U.S. history—over 7 billion tons through 2055—while saving thousands of lives, providing close to $100 billion in societal benefits annually, and putting us on the path to reaching our clean transportation and climate goals.

With over 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. stemming from transportation, transformative climate policy in this sector has an outsized impact on the climate and public health. This includes healthier air for children and lower-income communities who experience disproportionate harm from particulate matter and other dirty vehicle pollution. 

With these ambitious clean car standards, the U.S. aligns with the global goal of the Drive Electric Campaign to shift to 100% electric vehicles for new cars by 2035. 

Drive Electric supported a diverse coalition of implementing partners who sustained a multi-year effort to strengthen the clean car standards. From research and health organizations who showed the rule was feasible and beneficial, to business groups that showed the clear demand and economic opportunities, to labor, environmental justice, and faith-based communities who understand the positive impact on lives and livelihoods. We are celebrating today alongside our partners, whose persistence and alignment helped secure this incredible accomplishment with massive benefits to our climate and communities.

Around the world, Drive Electric partners are working toward similar efforts to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles of all kinds, supported by climate philanthropy. We look forward to continued collaboration with our partners to promote ambitious action and policies on the road to a clean energy transition.”

About the Drive Electric Campaign

The Drive Electric Campaign is an ambitious, philanthropy-powered global initiative to achieve a global tipping point leading to end the polluting tailpipe and accelerate the transition to 100% sales of zero-emission electric cars, trucks, buses, and 2 & 3 wheelers for the benefit of health, climate, and the economy.